Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood: The Right Floors for Your Home

Let’s clear up one of the biggest myths right away: engineered hardwood is real wood. The part you see and walk on is a genuine slice of beautiful hardwood, just like the solid version. The confusion in the engineered hardwood vs solid hardwood debate often comes from not understanding how they’re built. While solid planks are wood through-and-through, engineered planks have a layered core that makes them incredibly stable and resistant to changes in humidity. This doesn’t make one better than the other—it just makes them different. In this article, we’ll cut through the confusion and give you the straightforward facts on performance, cost, and installation so you can make an informed decision based on what truly matters for your project.

Key Takeaways

• Match the floor to the room: Use engineered hardwood's stable, layered design for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and basements. Reserve classic solid hardwood for rooms with consistent humidity, such as living rooms and bedrooms.
• Balance long-term refinishing with daily stability: Solid hardwood is a lifetime investment that you can sand and refinish repeatedly to erase wear. Engineered hardwood offers greater resistance to temperature and humidity changes but can only be refinished once or twice, if at all.
• Plan for total project cost and installation: Engineered hardwood generally has a lower upfront cost and offers flexible installation methods, including DIY-friendly floating floors. Solid hardwood is a larger initial investment that requires professional nail-down installation, so be sure to factor in labor costs.

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood: What's the Real Difference?

Choosing between engineered and solid hardwood flooring can feel like a big decision, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Both options give you the beautiful, timeless look of real wood, but they’re built differently and shine in different situations. Think of solid hardwood as the classic, original version—one solid piece of wood from top to bottom. Engineered hardwood is its modern, versatile cousin, constructed in layers to handle conditions that solid wood sometimes can't.

The right choice for you depends on your room, your climate, and your budget. Are you renovating a moisture-prone basement or a dry, second-floor bedroom? Do you plan to install it yourself or hire a pro? Understanding the core differences in how they’re made, how they look, and how they’re installed will help you pick the perfect hardwood flooring for your project. Let’s break down what sets them apart.

How They're Made

The names give you a pretty good clue about their construction. Solid hardwood planks are exactly what they sound like: each one is milled from a single, solid piece of lumber, like oak, maple, or hickory. It’s the traditional choice that has been used for centuries.

Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, has a more complex structure. It’s made of a thin top layer of real hardwood—the part you see and walk on—which is bonded to a high-quality plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. This layered construction is designed to give the plank extra stability and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity.

How They Look

On the surface, it can be tough to tell engineered and solid hardwood apart because the top layer of engineered flooring is genuine wood. Both offer that authentic grain and texture you love. However, solid hardwood often provides a wider selection of wood species and stain colors, and the planks typically fit together with very tight seams for a smooth, uniform look.

Engineered hardwood frequently comes pre-finished and is available in wider plank styles than solid wood. You might also notice that the edges of engineered planks are sometimes slightly beveled, which can create a more defined look between each board.

How They're Installed

This is where the two types really diverge. Solid hardwood almost always needs to be nailed or stapled down to a wooden subfloor, a job that typically requires special tools and professional expertise. It’s not usually recommended for installation over concrete.

Engineered hardwood offers much more flexibility. It can be nailed, stapled, glued down, or installed as a "floating" floor where the planks click together without being attached to the subfloor. This versatility makes it a more approachable DIY project and allows it to be installed over concrete subfloors, which is great for basements and ground-floor rooms.

How Much They Cost

Your budget will definitely play a role in your decision. Generally, engineered hardwood tends to be more affordable, with prices typically ranging from $4.50 to $16 per square foot. Solid hardwood usually has a higher price point, running anywhere from $5 to $28 per square foot, depending on the wood species and finish. While the upfront cost for engineered flooring might be lower, many people view solid hardwood as a long-term investment that can be refinished multiple times over its lifespan. For contractors and designers, our trade program offers bulk pricing to help manage project costs effectively.

The Case for Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood often gets a standing ovation from contractors and designers, and for good reason. It combines the timeless beauty of real wood with modern construction that solves many of the challenges solid hardwood faces. If you’re looking for flooring that’s both beautiful and practical, engineered hardwood offers a compelling mix of stability, versatility, and style. It’s designed to handle real life, from humid basements to busy kitchens, without sacrificing the authentic look and feel of wood that everyone loves. This smart design makes it a go-to choice for a wide range of projects, giving you more freedom to bring your vision to life in any room of the house.

Its Smart, Layered Design

Think of engineered hardwood as a high-tech wood sandwich. The top layer is a thin slice of real, beautiful hardwood—like oak, maple, or hickory. Beneath that are multiple layers of high-quality plywood or fiberboard, stacked and glued together in alternating directions. This cross-laminated structure is the secret to its strength. Unlike a solid piece of wood that expands and contracts as one unit, these layers counteract each other’s movements. This clever construction gives the plank incredible stability, making it far less likely to warp or buckle when faced with changes in temperature or humidity.

Better for Humid Spaces

That layered design makes engineered hardwood a champion in rooms where solid wood might struggle. Because it’s so stable, it stands up exceptionally well to moisture and temperature swings. This makes it an ideal choice for potentially damp areas like basements, kitchens, or bathrooms where humidity levels can fluctuate. While you still want to wipe up spills promptly, engineered flooring gives you peace of mind that a little humidity won't ruin your investment. It’s a durable solution that lets you carry the warmth of wood throughout your entire home, even below ground level.

More Styles to Choose From

With engineered hardwood, you don’t have to compromise on style. You get all the classic looks of solid wood, plus a few exciting extras. Because only the top layer is premium hardwood, manufacturers can offer a wider range of options, including exotic wood species that might be too soft or expensive for solid planks. You’ll also find more creative textures, finishes, and extra-wide planks that create a modern, seamless look. The variety available in engineered hardwood flooring gives you the freedom to find the perfect match for your home’s aesthetic.

Install It Almost Anywhere

One of the biggest advantages of engineered hardwood is its installation flexibility. Unlike solid hardwood, which is typically nailed down and not recommended for below-grade areas, engineered planks can be installed on any level of your home. They can be stapled, glued, or even "floated" over a variety of subfloors, including concrete. This makes it a perfect solution for basements, condos, or homes with radiant heating systems. This versatility simplifies the installation process and opens up possibilities for rooms where solid wood just isn’t an option.

A Sustainable Choice

If you’re making eco-conscious choices for your home, engineered hardwood is worth considering. Since only the top surface is a slow-growing premium hardwood, a single tree goes much further. The core layers are typically made from faster-growing, more sustainable wood species. This efficient use of natural resources means engineered flooring has a smaller environmental footprint compared to solid hardwood, which uses thick planks of premium wood. It’s a choice that’s as smart for the planet as it is for your home, allowing you to get the look you love while using less precious material.

The Timeless Appeal of Solid Hardwood

There’s a reason solid hardwood flooring has been a staple in homes for centuries. It’s authentic, durable, and brings a natural warmth to any room that’s hard to replicate. When you think of a classic, beautiful floor, chances are you’re picturing solid hardwood. Each plank is milled from a single piece of timber, giving it a substantial feel and a unique character that tells a story. This isn’t just a floor covering; it’s a structural part of your home that can last for generations.

While engineered hardwood offers modern solutions for tricky installations, solid hardwood remains the gold standard for its timeless beauty and incredible longevity. It’s an investment in your home’s value and aesthetic. If you’re looking for a floor that you can refinish over and over, adapting it to new styles and erasing years of wear, solid hardwood is an unmatched choice. It’s perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas—any space where you want to make a lasting impression.

One Solid Piece of Wood

The beauty of solid hardwood lies in its simplicity. Each plank is exactly what it sounds like: one solid piece of wood, milled directly from the log of a tree like oak, maple, or walnut. There are no layers, no veneers, and no composite materials. This gives the flooring a weight and sturdiness that you can feel underfoot. Because it’s wood through and through, it has a natural grain and texture that is completely unique to each board. This authenticity is what draws so many homeowners to solid hardwood—it’s a direct connection to natural materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Classic Wood Types

With solid hardwood, you get access to a wide range of classic wood species, each with its own distinct color, grain pattern, and hardness. Whether you prefer the rich, dark tones of walnut or the light, airy feel of white oak, there’s a perfect match for your home’s style. The planks are milled with precision, allowing for very tight seams when installed, which creates a smooth, uniform surface that looks elegant and clean. Exploring different hardwood flooring options lets you find the perfect foundation for your interior design, from rustic to modern.

How It Handles Temperature Changes

Because solid wood is a natural material, it breathes. It responds to its environment by expanding when it’s humid and contracting when it’s dry. This movement is completely normal, but it’s something you need to plan for. In environments with significant temperature and humidity swings, this expansion and contraction can sometimes cause small gaps to appear between boards or slight cupping. For this reason, solid hardwood isn’t recommended for below-grade installations like basements or in moisture-prone areas like full bathrooms. Proper acclimation and installation are key to managing its natural movement.

Refinish It for a Lifetime of Use

One of the biggest advantages of solid hardwood is its incredible lifespan. A well-maintained solid wood floor can last for 30 to 100 years, or even longer. How is that possible? Because you can sand it down and refinish it multiple times over its life. Scratches, dents, and dullness from years of foot traffic can be completely erased, revealing a fresh layer of wood underneath. This means you can change the stain color to match new decor or simply restore its original luster, making it a floor that truly grows with your home.

What It Takes to Maintain

Maintaining the beauty of your solid hardwood floor doesn’t require a complicated routine. Like any quality flooring, it just needs consistent care. Regular sweeping or vacuuming (with a soft-bristle head) will prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface. It’s also a good idea to place rugs in high-traffic areas and use furniture pads to prevent dents. The most important rule is to clean up spills right away, as standing water can damage the wood and finish. With these simple habits, your floors will stay looking great for years to come.

Which Hardwood Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing between engineered and solid hardwood often comes down to one simple question: where are you installing it? Different rooms have different demands, from moisture levels to foot traffic. The construction of each flooring type makes it better suited for certain areas of your house. Thinking about the room first is the best way to narrow down your options and find a floor that will look great and perform well for years. Let's walk through some common spaces to see which type of hardwood makes the most sense.

For Kitchens and Bathrooms

When it comes to kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, moisture is the main concern. This is where engineered hardwood truly shines. Because of its layered construction, engineered hardwood floors have a much higher resistance to humidity and occasional spills than solid wood. Solid planks can absorb moisture, causing them to swell, cup, or warp over time. The stable core of engineered flooring prevents this, making it a more practical and durable choice for any room where water is a factor. You get the beautiful look of real wood without the constant worry about water damage.

For Living Rooms and Bedrooms

In living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms, you can’t go wrong with the classic beauty of solid hardwood. These areas typically have stable humidity levels, so the risk of moisture damage is low. A solid hardwood floor adds a sense of timeless quality and value to your home that many buyers look for. Since it’s crafted from a single piece of wood, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing you to refresh its look over a lifetime. For the main living spaces where you want to make a lasting impression, solid hardwood is an incredible investment.

For Basements

Basements are tricky. Because they are below ground level, they are often prone to dampness and higher humidity. For this reason, solid hardwood is almost never recommended for basement installations. The moisture can cause serious damage to the wood planks. Instead, engineered flooring is the clear winner for any below-grade space. Its plywood or high-density fiberboard core provides the stability needed to handle the unique conditions of a basement, giving you a beautiful wood floor where you otherwise couldn't have one.

How Climate Affects Your Choice

Your local climate plays a bigger role than you might think. Solid hardwood is a natural material that tends to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. In regions with dramatic climate shifts, this movement can sometimes lead to gapping between the planks. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is far more dimensionally stable. Its cross-layered construction resists movement, making it an excellent choice for homes in climates with very humid summers or very dry winters. This stability helps your floors maintain a consistent, tight fit all year round.

Durability and Upkeep: What to Expect

Choosing a floor is about more than just looks—it’s about finding a material that fits your lifestyle. Both solid and engineered hardwood are fantastic investments that can last for decades, but they handle daily life a little differently. Understanding their unique strengths will help you pick a floor that not only looks great on day one but also holds up beautifully for years to come. From busy households with kids and pets to quiet, low-traffic spaces, the right floor is the one you can live on without worry.

Your home’s environment, from foot traffic to humidity levels, plays a big role in how your floors will perform. Let’s break down what you can expect in terms of durability and maintenance for both engineered and solid hardwood flooring so you can make a choice you’ll be happy with long-term.

Handling Daily Wear and Tear

If you have a busy home with pets, kids, or lots of foot traffic, durability is probably at the top of your list. Thanks to its multi-layered construction, engineered hardwood is exceptionally stable and resistant to dings and scratches. The top layer is real hardwood, but the core layers are designed to provide strength, making it a great option for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Solid hardwood is also tough, but as a single piece of wood, it’s more likely to show dents and scratches over time.

Protecting Against Moisture

Moisture is wood’s biggest enemy, but engineered hardwood has a distinct advantage here. Its layered core is designed to resist swelling and warping in humid conditions, making it a better choice for rooms where moisture can be a concern, like kitchens or basements. While solid hardwood is beautiful, it’s more susceptible to changes in humidity and can expand or contract, leading to gaps or cupping. Keep in mind that neither option is waterproof, so it’s always best to wipe up spills quickly, no matter which floor you choose.

Your Daily Cleaning Routine

The good news is that daily upkeep for both flooring types is nearly identical and very straightforward. A regular routine of sweeping or vacuuming (with a soft brush attachment) will take care of dust and debris that can scratch the surface. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with a cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood floors. The most important rule for both is to clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent any potential damage or staining. Placing rugs in high-traffic areas and mats at entryways will also go a long way in protecting your investment.

When and How to Refinish

This is where solid and engineered hardwood really differ. Because solid hardwood is the same material all the way through, you can sand it down and refinish it multiple times throughout its life. This allows you to erase years of wear and tear or even change the stain color for a fresh look. Engineered hardwood’s ability to be refinished depends entirely on the thickness of its top wood veneer. A thicker veneer may allow for one or two light refinishes, but floors with a thinner top layer cannot be sanded down at all.

How Long Will It Last?

With proper care, both types of flooring offer incredible longevity. Solid hardwood is the long-term champion, often lasting anywhere from 30 to 100 years, largely because it can be refinished repeatedly. It’s a floor that can truly last a lifetime and evolve with your home. Engineered hardwood typically has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the product and the thickness of its veneer. Both are durable, beautiful choices that add significant value to your home, as our happy customers often share in their reviews.

How to Make the Right Choice

Choosing between engineered and solid hardwood comes down to more than just looks. You need to think about your budget, your home’s environment, and how much work you’re willing to put into installation and upkeep. Let’s walk through the key factors to help you find the perfect fit for your project.

What to Look for in Quality Flooring

When you’re comparing floors, remember that quality matters more than the category name. A premium engineered floor will always outperform a low-grade solid one. For engineered hardwood, look for a thick wear layer (the top slice of real wood) and a multi-layered, high-density core. This construction provides the stability engineered flooring is known for. For solid hardwood, quality is determined by the wood grade, which indicates the number of knots and color variations, and the durability of the factory-applied finish. High-quality hardwood flooring is built for modern living, offering a predictable and durable finish that stands up to daily life.

Planning Your Budget

Your budget will play a big role in your decision. Generally, engineered hardwood has a lower upfront cost, typically ranging from $4 to $7 per square foot. Solid hardwood is more of an investment, usually costing between $8 and $15 per square foot. However, don’t forget to factor in installation costs, which can vary based on the complexity of the job. While solid wood costs more initially, its ability to be refinished multiple times means it can last for generations, potentially making it more cost-effective over the long run. For contractors and designers, our trade program offers bulk discounts to help keep project costs in check.

Choosing an Installation Method

The way your flooring is installed affects both the cost and the timeline of your project. Solid hardwood is straightforward—it must be nailed or stapled to a wooden subfloor. This creates a strong, permanent bond. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is much more versatile. It can be nailed or stapled like solid wood, glued directly to a concrete subfloor, or installed as a "floating" floor. Floating floors use a click-lock system where the planks connect to each other but not to the subfloor, making it a popular and less permanent option. This flexibility allows engineered wood to be installed in places where solid wood just can’t go.

Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?

Are you thinking about installing the floor yourself? If you’re an experienced DIYer, a floating engineered hardwood floor is a manageable weekend project. The click-lock systems are designed to be user-friendly. However, glue-down and nail-down installations are more complex and often require special tools and expertise. Solid hardwood installation, in particular, is best left to the professionals. A pro will ensure the wood is properly acclimated to your home’s environment and that the subfloor is perfectly prepped, which is critical for a beautiful, long-lasting result. Plus, a professional installation is often required to keep your warranty intact.

Understanding the Warranty

Most flooring warranties cover manufacturing defects, not everyday wear and tear. It’s important to know that both engineered and solid hardwood can scratch and dent—the top layer is real wood, after all. Your warranty will likely have separate terms for the structural integrity of the planks and the durability of the finish. The biggest thing that can void a warranty is improper installation or moisture damage from incorrect maintenance. While a warranty provides peace of mind, the true long-term assurance of solid hardwood is its ability to be sanded and refinished, effectively giving you a brand-new floor every decade or so. You can see what our customers say about the durability of our products in their reviews.

A Quick Guide: Where to Install Each Type

Choosing between engineered and solid hardwood often comes down to one simple question: where are you putting it? The room, the subfloor, and even your local climate play a huge role in which flooring will perform best and look great for years to come. Think of this as your cheat sheet for picking the right material for the right space. We’ll walk through the key factors so you can feel confident in your decision and get your project started on the right foot.

Best Flooring for Every Room

For main living areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, both solid and engineered hardwood are fantastic choices. They bring warmth and classic style that works with almost any decor. However, when you move into trickier areas, the differences become clear. Engineered hardwood is a great pick for basements and kitchens where moisture levels can be a bit higher. While you should still avoid installing any wood flooring in bathrooms or laundry rooms, engineered wood’s construction gives it an edge in less-than-ideal conditions. Solid hardwood, on the other hand, is best kept to rooms on or above ground level with stable humidity.

What's Underneath Matters: Subfloors

The type of subfloor you have can make the decision for you. Solid hardwood planks almost always need to be nailed down to a wooden subfloor. If you’re working with a concrete slab, which is common in basements or ground-floor extensions, engineered hardwood is your go-to. Most engineered hardwood flooring can be glued directly onto concrete or "floated" over it, giving you a lot more flexibility. This versatility makes it a practical solution for renovations where you might not want to install a new subfloor, saving you time and money on the project.

Matching Your Floor to Your Climate

Where you live matters more than you might think. Wood is a natural material that reacts to its environment, expanding in humidity and shrinking in dryness. Because of its layered construction, engineered hardwood is much more stable and handles changes in temperature and moisture better than solid wood. If you live in a region with high humidity or dramatic seasonal shifts, engineered flooring will be less likely to warp or gap. Solid hardwood is a beautiful, timeless option, but it performs best in homes with consistent, controlled indoor climates.

What to Expect During Installation

Installation is another key difference. Engineered hardwood is generally easier to install, with many products featuring click-lock systems that are friendly for experienced DIYers. This can help you save on labor costs if you’re comfortable tackling the project yourself. Solid hardwood installation is more complex and usually requires professional tools and expertise to nail the planks down correctly. For contractors and builders, the faster installation of engineered wood can be a major advantage. If you’re a trade professional, you can apply for an account to access bulk pricing and specialized support for your projects.

Related Articles

• Hardwood vs Engineered Hardwood: The Real Difference
• Engineered Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide
• Engineered Wood Flooring vs Hardwood: Which Is Best?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is engineered hardwood "real" wood? Yes, it absolutely is. The top layer of engineered hardwood—the part you see and feel—is 100% genuine hardwood, just like a solid plank. The difference is what’s underneath. Instead of one solid piece, it has a core made of multiple layers of wood composite bonded together. This construction is what gives it extra stability, so you're getting a real wood surface with a high-performance core.

Can I refinish engineered hardwood flooring like I can with solid wood? This is a great question, and the answer is sometimes. A solid hardwood floor can be sanded down and refinished multiple times over its long life. Whether you can refinish an engineered floor depends entirely on the thickness of its top hardwood layer. High-quality options with a thicker top veneer can typically be sanded and refinished once or twice, while more budget-friendly options with a very thin veneer cannot.

Which type of flooring is better for a home with kids and pets? Both options can work well in a busy home, but it often comes down to the quality of the product. High-quality engineered hardwood is exceptionally stable due to its layered core, which helps it resist dents from dropped toys or energetic pets. For either type, choosing a harder wood species like oak and a durable, factory-applied finish will give you the best defense against daily wear and tear.

Why can't I install solid hardwood in my basement? The simple answer is moisture. Basements are below ground, which means they are naturally more humid. Solid wood is a natural material that absorbs moisture from the air, causing it to swell, warp, and cup. This can permanently damage your floor. The layered construction of engineered hardwood makes it far more stable and resistant to these changes in humidity, making it the only safe bet for a beautiful wood floor below ground.

Does solid hardwood add more value to my home than engineered hardwood? Both solid and engineered hardwood are considered premium flooring materials that add significant value to a home. Solid hardwood has a traditional reputation for longevity since it can be refinished for generations. However, high-quality engineered flooring is also highly sought after by homebuyers for its durability and versatility, especially its ability to be installed in kitchens and basements where solid wood can't go. The quality of the material and the installation are what truly matter most to your home's value.